Becoming a Marist Missionary Sister

“As Missionary sisters of the Society of Mary we are called to follow Christ, giving ourselves unreservedly to Him in order to participate in His mission. Formation should enable us to bring our lives into harmony with this call in generosity and joy, while growing towards that fullness of Christ which the Father desires for us.”

(smsm Constitutions #189)

When you seek to enter the Marist Missionary Sisters, you are asking to participate in a particular way of life. Deepening your relationship with God, learning about religious missionary life, and understanding our charism and spirituality requires.

The Discernment Process  (Time and Space to Ask the Questions in Your Heart)

 

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Orientation

A time for you to get to know us and for us to get to know you. You will begin with a personal contact with an smsm sister through emails, calls, visits, etc. She is there to support you as you ask yourself: Do I truly have a calling to a vowed life? What are my gifts and how can I best use them to extend the mission of the church? We encourage you to get to know the charism of our congregation and to visit smsm communities and ministries.

 

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In this video Sr. Georgeanne offers some insight into discernment.

 

 

Invitation - formation

A time for you to explore community and ministry life. The next step will be an invitation to spend from six months to a year in a community. Here you have the time you need to think and pray about such questions as these:

How is God calling me as a woman?
as a Christian?
                                    as a Marist?
                                    as a missionary sister?

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Initiation

A time for you to deepen your Christian life.
A decision to move forward would mean a two year novitiate.
Year One: Spiritual Year
Year Two: Mission Year You learn to integrate ministry, prayer and community.

 

 

Commitment

First vows. We come to a mutual agreement on your readiness to make a commitment as an smsm. This stage is a temporary commitment in the form of three vows: chastity, obedience and poverty. Final vows usually occurs about six to nine years after this decision.

 

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